Kentucky

In Kentucky, the following immunizations are recommended

Vaccination for Pregnant Women

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Pregnant women are advised to receive the inactivated influenza vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy to protect against flu-related complications.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: A single dose of Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, to protect the newborn from whooping cough (pertussis).
• COVID-19 Vaccine: COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for pregnant women to reduce the risk of severe illness. The vaccine does not cross the placenta; instead, the mother's antibodies provide protection to the baby.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: Pregnant women can protect their newborns from RSV by getting vaccinated between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine helps transfer antibodies to the baby, providing immunity during the critical early months.

Vaccination for Infants

Infants should follow the standard immunization schedule to protect against various diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a detailed immunization schedule for children, which includes vaccines for:
Hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal, poliovirus, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, hepatitis A, and others.

Where to get vaccinated or vaccination support

In Kentucky, vaccinations are available through various healthcare providers, public health departments, programs and clinics.

1. Kentucky Immunization Program: The Kentucky Department for Public Health's Immunization Branch provides comprehensive information on immunization schedules and resources for all age groups. They oversee programs like the Vaccines for Children (VFC), which offers vaccines at no cost to eligible individuals.

1. Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: The VFC Program provides free vaccines to eligible children through enrolled healthcare providers. For more information or assistance, you can contact the Kentucky Immunization Registry Helpdesk at (502) 564-0038.

1. Local Health Departments: Many county health departments in Kentucky offer immunization services. For example, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness provides vaccines by appointment at their Newburg and Dixie clinics. To schedule an appointment or for assistance, call 502-574-5380.

1. Pharmacies and Retail Clinics: Vaccines are administered at retail pharmacies, including Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS, as well as clinics and other locations such as doctors' offices. Use the federal government’s website Vaccines.gov to search for vaccination sites by ZIP code. You can also text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 800-232-0233 for assistance.

1. University of Kentucky HealthCare: The UK Pharmacist Care Clinic offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 6 months and up, along with other CDC-recommended immunizations. Appointments can be scheduled online.

1. Northern Kentucky Health Department: Provides vaccines for adults aged 19 years and older who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines. Available vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, HPV, Influenza, MMR, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Tdap, Varicella, and Zoster.

1. Lexington-Fayette County Health Department: Offers back-to-school immunizations for participants aged 18 years or younger who are uninsured or underinsured. Medicaid is accepted. Call 859-288-2483 to schedule a same-day appointment.